HomeMy WebLinkAbout11.13.2008COUNCIL WORK SESSION
November 13, 2008
8:00 a.m.
Council Chambers
Members present: Getty, Hart, Steve Schmitt, Welper, Greenwood.
Members absent: Cole, Reggie Schmitt.
Moved by Steve Schmitt, seconded by Hart that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes:
Four. Absent: Cole, Reggie Schmitt, Greenwood. Motion carried.
Greenwood now present at 8:02 a.m.
Councilperson Welper reviewed items on the Standing Committee agendas for meetings
scheduled for Monday, November 17, 2008.
Councilperson Welper reviewed items on the November 17, 2008 council agenda and the
following items were discussed.
The appointment of Larry Smith to Superintendent of Waste Management Services is on the
agenda. Larry Smith is requesting an exception to the Residency Policy because he lives in
Evansdale and has for 20 years. Mr. Smith noted that he actually lives very close to the Waste
Management facility, and he does not feel with the economy it is a good time to put his house up
for sale.
Eric Thorson, City Engineer, explained the request by Randall Construction for a sidewalk grade
variance at 1800-1806 Commercial Street. The sidewalk is outside the perimeter of normal
specifications, but will meet handicap slope, etc.
Brad Hagen, Airport Director, explained the agreement with Earth Tech for design services for
the electrical vault at the Waterloo Regional Airport. The FCC has not awarded the grant for this
project, but Mr. Hagen noted that they like council approval prior to award of a grant.
Sandie Greco, Superintendent of Traffic Operations, explained the ordinance to restrict parking
on both sides of Hammond Court. Martin Realtors, owner of the duplexes on Hammond Court,
asked the Traffic Department to look at the parking because the tenants are parking on both sides
of the street when there is a parking lot for the tenants. The street is very narrow and with the
vehicles parked on both sides, it would be impossible for the Fire Department to get through the
street.
Lou Cutwright, Building Official/Maintenance Administrator, noted that he would like to add an
item to the agenda. The developer is ready to purchase Fire Station #8, and the city will need to
hire a consultant to put together plans and design for the new fire station.
Paul Huting, Leisure Services Director, reviewed the dog park fencing project. The Community
Foundation has been collecting donations for the project and there is commitment to donate the
remaining amount. Additional items will include cement and a dog waste disposal vault with
receptacle. The posts for the fence would be installed this fall, but the fabric would not be
installed until next spring. The dog park committee also would like benches and toys, which
have not yet been funded.
Councilperson Getty reported that Sandie Greco has talked with MidAmerican Energy about the
lights that need to be replaced at Lincoln School, Cedar Bend and other areas of the city.
MidAmerican Energy says they are short staffed at this time. Councilperson Getty stated he
feels pressure needs to be put on MidAmerican Energy to replace the lights, especially at Lincoln
School because of the water that accumulates around the new road.
Councilperson Getty reported he has had calls from people with homes that were flooded in
Sherwood Park, Sans Souci and Riverside asking why they can't have a utility pole installed so
they can work on their homes. Lou Cutwright, Building Official/Maintenance Administrator,
Council Work Session
November 13, 2008
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noted that if the property is released to start the process for rebuilding, they are issued permits if
Planning & Zoning staff sign off. Mr. Cutwright noted that many of the homes in these areas are
on the buyout list submitted to the State and at this point, he is unsure who would give the
authorization to allow electricity in these areas. Mr. Cutwright noted that Bob Walker, who has
a home on Sans Souci, has winterized his home and did not need electricity to do that, and that
the other property owners could winterize their flooded homes without the use of electricity.
Councilperson Greenwood asked if other council members had received calls regarding
extending the curb side pickup for yard waste. Council members decided to an add item to
Monday's agenda to extend the curb side pickup of yard waste to December 12, 2008.
With no further business before the council, it was moved by Hart, seconded by Getty that the
meeting be adjourned at 8:25 a.m. Ayes: Five. Absent: Cole, Reggie Schmitt. Motion carried.
Nancy Eckert
City Clerk
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